Nick Verreos at the 2010 Golden Globes Gifting Suites

2010 Golden Globes Gifting "Dishing" FIDM Hills: Lauren Conrad and Nick Verreos at the 2010 Golden Globes Kari Feinstein Style Lounge, Zune LA

The days leading up to this year's Golden Globes, my schedule was packed. First, there's my Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM classes to teach, then draping dresses and making patterns for my own collection and meeting with stylists for possible gowns for the upcoming awards. And somehow I found time to get out of my "Nick Cave" and venture to a couple Golden Globes Gifting Suites I was invited to.

First Stop: The Kari Feinstein Golden Globes Style Lounge, Zune LA
The Kari Feinstein Style Lounge is always an "A" list Suite and I am always very honored to be "on the list". It was held at Zune LA and is always sure to be a place to spot a celeb or two...or three. On the day I went, I had just gotten there when I felt someone pinching my "Nick Bootie". I turned around and it was none other than my friend--and former FIDM student--Lauren Conrad. Looking GORGEOUS I might add! Of course, we proceeded to do some "girlfriend dishing" and catching up as only Lauren and I can do. She was there with her friend Lo Bosworth from MTV's The Hills. I also said "hello" to actress and former Miss USA Ali Landry, whom I had designed a gown for YEARS ago--and spotted Molly Sims as well, while I was there.Bulging Biceps: Nick Verreos and the Retro Sport T-shirt Mascot, Kari Feinstein 2010 Golden Globes Style Lounge

The Kari Feinstein Gifting Suite also had great running shoes from Reebok as well as stylish ties and scarves from Vineyard Vines (I will wear them at an upcoming TV shoot or appearance for sure!) and cute vintage t-shirts from Retro Sport . Designer Alan Aldridge--who has worked with The Beatles-- was there showcasing his famed concert graphic designs, my favorite being "The Who" t-shirt. Model Dad: UK Artist Alan Aldridge and Nick Verreos holding one of his t-shirt designs, Kari Feinstein 2010 Golden Globes Style Lounge

Another fun fact: One of his daughters is supermodel Lily Aldridge, whom I met at the Victoria's Secret NY Runway Show and actually got to interview her (she's also the girlfriend of Caleb from Kings of Leon). My last stop here was with Rasta Taco, who had a taco stand set up at Style Lounge. It was 3 PM and I had not had lunch yet so needless to say, I was SO HAPPY to see them and had a couple of their most delicious chicken and carne asada tacos. Delicioso!

Next Stop: Madison and Mulholland Golden Globes Charitable Suite, Beverly HillsCharitable Scene: Madison & Mulholland Charitable Gifting Suite, Beverly Hills

Next, I traveled to a private home in Beverly Hills for the Madison & Mulholland Charitable Gifting Suite. Amongst other things, what makes this Gifting Suites special is that they put together a Gift Bag for a Charity of your choice. I put together a great bag which will be auctioned off at Clothes Off Our Back with proceeds going to my charity of choice, The Trevor Project. I drew a fabulous fashion illustration and autographed a pair of REUSE JEANS for my "Charitable Bag". Besides clothing, there were also lots of cosmetics and beauty products (the AMAZING Sakura Silk Exfoliating Gel was my fave!) and delicious cakes here. If you like cocktails, then this Gifting Suite was your place, with Casa Noble Tequila, Eagle Castle Winery and Adult Milk Chocolate all present, offering "cocktail hour" all day! I also loved the sexy and very stylish handbags and jewelry from Charlie Lapson. I snagged the BEST luggage tags for all my travels!Desert Anyone? A Golden Globes Cake at the Madison & Mulholland Charitable Gifting Suite Beverly Hills

Well, after one Adult Chocolate Milks too many, I knew it was time to head back to my non-Gifting suite life back at the NIKOLAKI design studio in Downtown LA-- Signing off from the Golden Globes Gifting Suites---see you next time!

Emmys Gifting Suites: Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll???

Jay McCarroll: Not A Emmys Gifting Suite Virgin Anymore!!! Plaid & Polka Dots: Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll, Kari Feinstein Emmys Gifting Suite

Last week was Emmy Awards Week, and boy was I busy: Last-minute meetings with stylists, working on my new line, as well as rehearsals for TV Guide Network Emmys Fashion Wrap. Somehow I found the time to attend several gifting suites. For most of these suites, I had a special "partner-in-crime": Jay McCarroll, Season One Winner of Project Runway. He's in town for a "secret project" which at the time I couldn't talk about. But the secret is OUT: Jay McCarroll will be one of the contestants on Vh1's Celebrity Fit Club. I know: SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! According to sources (from the internets), he will be joined by Bobby Brown, Kevin Federline and his ex Shar Jackson, among others. Hope my Jay is getting PAID lots of money!

SLS Hotel and Secret Room "Think Pink" Style Lounge:Nick's New BFF: Jay McCarroll and Brittany Flickinger, Winner of Season One "Paris Hilton's My New BFF"

The SLS Hotel and The Secret Room Events "Think Pink" 2009 Emmy Awards Style Lounge benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Tiger Lily Foundation was our first stop. We both enjoyed an AMAZING facial and posed with elegant watches from Jorg Gray (the one that President Obama wears). I wore one on my TV Guide Fashion Wrap taping. There were skin care products from a French line called Absolution, as well as the Aloe Vera-based Lexli 30-day Starter Kit Skincare.

The Fanny Pack Is Back: Nick Verreos sports his new leather hip belt with designer/creator Tali Morrison

Last but not least, Tali Morrison, designer/creator of Beltali let me have a HOT leather hip-belt. At this suite, Jay and I ran into Brittany Flickinger, Season One Winner of Paris Hilton's My New BFF (I don't think she had ANY idea who we were!).

Debbie Durkin's Eco Emmys Green Gifting:

Rock Icon Boys: Nick Verreos and designer/creator Ryan Trujillo with Rock Icon T-shirt

The following day, I headed to the Eco Emmys Celebrity Green Gifting and Wellness Chateau at a private estate in LA. This suite benefited several charities including GreenWish, SPCA, Free the Slaves and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It's organizer, Debbie Durkin is always so wonderful so I had to come and support! I saw some cool graphic t-shirts (made of 100% bamboo) from the line Rock Icon. It's creator/designer is a graduate of FIDM. Launch My SINGLE Line: Nick Verreos with Single Designer Galina Sobolev

I also ran into one of my favorite LA designers, the ever-so-sexy Galina Sobolev , founder and designer of the line Single, who had a booth set up at this Suite. JLo and a bunch of other celebs wear her breezy printed dresses and tunics. She's also caught the "reality show bug" and will be a contestant on Bravo's Launch My Line.

Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge What Do You Think Of Season 6? Nick Verreos answers questions for the media

Next up was the "A-List" Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge at Zune L.A. Lots of the vendors here were obviously big fans of Project Runway because they were all very excited to see Jay and I. When we arrived, Maya was there, as well as "Entourage" actor Kevin Connolly and I said "Hello" to Samantha Harris, co-host of "Dancing With The Stars", who has worn my NIKOLAKI gowns. Vintage Havana gave me a great plaid shirt and I got fun socks from Modern Amusement. I heard they were "giving away" T-Mobile Sidekicks at this suite, but I guess both Jay and I were too "D-list" to get them (yes there's a "Gifting Suite Caste System"!). I was excited when I saw the teeth whitening system, Opalescence and even more excited when the Ultradent people were kind enough to gift me with some.

The London Hotel: Madison & Mulholland Gifting Suite: Suite Threesome: Jay McCarroll, Rex Lee and Nick Verreos, Madison & Mulholland Charitable Suite

To round out my Emmys 2009 Tour of Gifting Suites, I drove to the London Hotel in West Hollywood for the Madison & Mulholland Charitable Suite. This event was special in that celebs (I use the term VERY LOOSELY for myself!) went from vendor to vendor collecting products which we then put into a gift bag for public auction with proceeds benefiting a charity of our choice. The auction is live on CharityBuzz from September 23 to October 13. I even brought an autographed photo and a very special fashion illustration to include in my bag (hopefully, they are still in there!).

All Stars Who: Korto Momulu, Nick Verreos, Jay McCarrol and Jerell Scott

Here I ran into Korto Momolu and Jerell Scott from Season 5 Project Runway. I guess this was the unofficial "Project Runway Gifting Suite". I also said "Hello" to another client of mine, actress Brenda Strong of "Desperate Housewives" and one of my "boyfriends", the always so sweet, actor Rex Lee from "Entourage". There were some great items here, including S.T. Dupont luxury lighters, pens and leather goods, Lacoste Eyewear, SmartMouth Mouthwash, and Johnny Vincent Swimwear.

Click BELOW for a video of Jay McCarroll at the SLS Hotel Emmys Gifting Suite (Be warned: Jay is being a potty mouth, of course!)